Beijing on High Alert Amid Heavy Rainfall Threat

On Monday, Beijing authorities issued a citywide alert, advising residents against going outdoors as a forecast warned of an imminent heavy rainfall threat, just weeks after catastrophic floods claimed dozens of lives. Approximately 200mm of rain is expected to fall within a six-hour window.

The warning has led city officials to reinforce ageing flood barriers and update emergency response procedures, as reports emerge of more bodies recovered from floodwaters, including three fatalities at a wellness camp in Hebei province. The recent deluge highlighted deficiencies in existing contingency plans.

Beijing, a city still haunted by its 2012 flood tragedy, has placed all districts on the highest readiness level, halting outdoor leisure activities and businesses to prevent another disaster. Meanwhile, tragic comparisons have been drawn between floods at a wellness camp in Hebei province and the deadly incident at Camp Mystic, Texas.

(With inputs from agencies.)